Aston Villa storm into race to sign the best tackler in the Champions League

Aston Villa are now keen on signing Sporting CP defender Maxi Araujo, and the Portuguese side are willing to sanction a transfer this summer.

Araujo attracting interest after impressing in the Champions League

Sporting CP bowed out of the Champions League at the round of 16 stage, losing to Arsenal 1-0 on aggregate, which is certainly no disgrace, with Mikel Arteta’s side leading the way in the Premier League.

Despite his side losing against the Gunners, Araujo was very impressive on a personal level, and now sits at the top of the charts when it comes to tackles in the Champions League this season.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Uruguayan is now starting to attract interest from elsewhere, with Arsenal recently holding talks about a summer deal for the left-back, who has a £70m release clause in his contract with the Liga Portugal side.

However, according to a report from Sport Witness, Sporting would be willing to cash-in for around €50m (£43m) this summer, and Aston Villa have now burst into the race for Araujo’s signature.

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Manchester United are also credited with an interest though, so there could be fierce competition from some of Villa’s Premier League rivals.

Lauded as “explosive” by some analysts, the Sporting star is capable of playing at both left-back and as a winger, which would make him a versatile option for Unai Emery.

Emery is keen to bring in an upgrade on current left-back Lucas Digne this summer, according to former scout Mick Brown, who said: “Left-back is a position Emery wants to strengthen in, so I expect they’ll do it in the summer.

“Digne isn’t a bad player, but he’s also not a real top player either. If Villa want to be a top team, he’s somebody they need to improve on.”

Maxi Araujo’s key stats this season

Aside from impressing in the Champions League, the 26-year-old has been an important player in the Liga Portugal, where his attacking qualities have been on full display.

1,855 minutes played

4 goals

3 assists

661 successful passes

102 defensive contributions

99 recoveries

6 clean sheets

Lucas Digne’s key stats this season

Although Digne has been dropped in favour of Ian Maatsen on occasion, the Frenchman has made 29 appearances in the Premier League this season, and much like Araujo, he also has a keen eye for creating chances.

1,746 minutes played

0 goals

5 assists

563 successful passes

108 defensive contributions

60 recoveries

5 clean sheets